ALL NOVEL 3: Grandfather has Arrived
I toddled over to the kitchen to get some water from Martha.
After drinking a glass of water and feeling refreshed, the entrance suddenly became lively.
“Well, well, it’s about time. Master Haku, we have a guest.”
Martha announced with a smile.
“A guest?”
I tilted my head in curiosity.
Martha quickly tidied up the glass and took my small hand.
“Today is your birthday, Master Haku. We have a guest here to celebrate.”
“Who is it?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
With a cheerful smile, Martha led me to the entrance hall, where my father and the butler Burton were greeting the guest.
“Thank you for coming all this way, Father-in-law.”
Turning my gaze towards my father Reynard’s voice, I saw a stern, large elderly man and a few attendants being warmly received.
“Grandfather!”
Reacting to my shout, the old man turned his face towards me, beamed, and opened his arms wide.
“Oh, Haku! Have you been a good boy? Come, let Grandfather see your cute face!”
I ran towards Grandfather and leapt into his arms.
“It’s been a while, Grandfather! How have you been?”
“As you can see, I’m very well! And you, Haku? You’ve grown a bit!”
Grandfather lifted me up easily and affectionately rubbed his cheek against mine.
“Grandfather, your beard is scratchy!”
When I protested a little, Grandfather lowered his eyebrows and apologized.
“Oh, sorry, sorry. I’m just so happy to see you. Don’t hate Grandfather, okay?”
“I could never hate you. I love you, Grandfather!”
Saying that, I hugged his neck, and Grandfather smiled joyfully, his eyes crinkling.
To those who didn’t know him, he might seem like a doting grandfather, but he was actually the former northern marquis, Jill Lagnard, once feared as the mighty warrior of the north.
I call him Grandfather Jill, but only I do.
Father and the attendants smiled wryly at the familiar scene.
“Father-in-law, you must be tired. Please freshen up from your journey and relax. Burton, please show him to his room.”
“Understood.”
The butler Burton bowed respectfully.
“Thank you, Reynard.”
Grandfather nodded grandly and tried to move while holding me, but Father quickly took me from his arms.
Grandfather looked slightly displeased for a moment, but then smiled and said, “Let’s talk a lot later,” and walked to the guest room.
I waved my hand until he was out of sight.
“Father, will we have a feast today?”
Father smiled and patted my head gently as he set me down.
“It’s your birthday, Haku. And since Father-in-law has come, tonight will be a bit special.”
“Yay!”
With a big smile, I jumped up and down in excitement. I’m looking forward to dinner!
That night’s dinner was filled with lots of meat, and I was full.
Usually, meals were simpler with just a little bit of meat.
It’s okay to be extravagant on your birthday, right?
I received many presents from Grandfather and relatives from the marquis family.
Books, a short sword (wooden sword), clothes, and various other things. Even though the clothes were hand-me-downs from my cousins, they were of a different class compared to those from our baron family, all high-quality items we couldn’t afford to make.
Though they were a bit too big, Martha said she would alter them later.
The clearly large ones would be handed down to my brothers.
Having wealthy relatives is truly a blessing.
After dinner, I chatted with Grandfather and everyone.
Of course, my newly acquired skills came up in the conversation.
Even after hearing about my skills, Grandfather didn’t show any displeasure.
“That’s good,” he said, lowering his eyes affectionately as he stroked my hair while I sat on his lap.
Among Grandfather’s grandchildren, I’m the only one considered cute and cuddly.
They say I strongly resemble my late mother.
Speaking of resemblance, my brother Riol looks like her too, but Riol is a sharp, capable, and handsome guy who can handle anything by himself.
He doesn’t have a cute vibe.
On the other hand, I look completely unreliable.
I’m as frail as a leaf in the wind.
Maybe my small stature and fluffy demeanor make people want to take care of me?
My hair is quite long, always tied in the back.
If I try to cut it, my family and Martha cry.
They really cried before!
Why is that!?
My mother was a daughter of the marquis family.
The marquis family had a lineage of sons, but when a daughter was born, they cherished her greatly.
However, because my mother was physically weak, Grandfather allowed her to marry the man of her choice instead of a political marriage.
I don’t know what kind of romance they had, but my father and mother had a rare love marriage among nobles.
Despite being frail, my mother gave birth to three sons, but after having me, she often fell ill and passed away three winters ago from a cold.
That was when I was two years old.
So, I hardly remember her.
Martha, the maid, acts as my mother.
I love the sunny smell when Martha hugs me!
Maybe because of that, the adults around me are overprotective.
They tell me to live as I please.
So, I leisurely enjoy my gardening life without hesitation!